| 1.volatile | changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street | Function: adjective
Etymology: French, from Latin volatilis, from volare to fly 1 : readily vaporizable at a relatively low temperature 2 : flying or having the power to fly 3 a : LIGHTHEARTED, LIVELY b : easily aroused <volatile suspicions> c : tending to erupt into violence : EXPLOSIVE 4 a : unable to hold the attention fixed because of an inherent lightness or fickleness of disposition b : characterized by or subject to rapid or unexpected change 5 : difficult to capture or hold permanently : EVANESCENT, TRANSITORY - vol·a·tile·ness noun - vol·a·til·i·ty /"vä-l&-'ti-l&-tE/ noun |
| 2.volition | act of using one's will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition. | Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Medieval Latin volition-, volitio, from Latin vol- (stem of velle to will, wish) + -ition-, -itio (as in Latin position-, positio position) -- more at WILL 1 : an act of making a choice or decision; also : a choice or decision made 2 : the power of choosing or determining : WILL - vo·li·tion·al /-'lish-n&l, -'li-sh&-n&l/ adjective |
| 3.voluble | fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility | Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin volubilis, from volvere to roll; akin to Old English wealwian to roll, Greek eilyein to roll, wrap 1 : easily rolling or turning : ROTATING 2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : GLIB, FLUENT synonym see TALKATIVE - vol·u·bil·i·ty /"väl-y&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - vol·u·ble·ness /'väl-y&-b&l-n&s/ noun - vol·u·bly /-blE/ adverb |
| 4.voluminous | having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large | Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin voluminosus, from Latin volumin-, volumen 1 : consisting of many folds, coils, or convolutions : WINDING 2 a : having or marked by great volume or bulk : LARGE 3 a : filling or capable of filling a large volume or several volumes voluminous literature on the subject> b : writing or speaking much or at great length - vo·lu·mi·nous·ly adverb - vo·lu·mi·nous·ness noun |
| 5.voracious | ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious animal/reader | Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin vorac-, vorax, from vorare to devour; akin to Old English Acweorran to guzzle, Latin gurges whirlpool, Greek bibrOskein to devour 1 : having a huge appetite : RAVENOUS 2 : excessively eager : INSATIABLE voracious reader> - vo·ra·cious·ly adverb - vo·ra·cious·ness noun synonyms VORACIOUS, GLUTTONOUS, RAVENOUS, RAPACIOUS mean excessively greedy. VORACIOUS applies especially to habitual gorging with food or drink |
| 6.vortex | whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged | Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural vor·ti·ces /'vor-t&-"sEz/; also vor·tex·es /'vor-"tek-s&z/ Etymology: New Latin vortic-, vortex, from Latin vertex, vortex whirlpool -- more at VERTEX 1 a : a mass of fluid (as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action; especially : WHIRLPOOL, EDDY b : a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity 2 : something that resembles a whirlpool |
| 7.vouchsafe | grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment | Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): vouch·safed; vouch·saf·ing 1 a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner b : to give by way of reply 2 : to grant as a privilege or special favor synonym see GRANT - vouch·safe·ment /vauch-'sAf-m&nt/ noun |
| 8.voyeur | Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others | Function: noun
Etymology: French, literally, one who sees, from Middle French, from voir to see, from Latin vidEre -- more at WIT 1 : one obtaining sexual gratification from seeing sex organs and sexual acts; broadly : one who habitually seeks sexual stimulation by visual means 2 : a prying observer who is usually seeking the sordid or the scandalous - voy·eur·ism /-"i-z&m/ noun - voy·eur·is·tic /"vwä-(")y&r-'is-tik, "voi-&r-/ adjective - voy·eur·is·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb |
| 9.vulnerable | susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability | Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulE wound 1 : capable of being physically wounded 2 : open to attack or damage : ASSAILABLE 3 : liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge - vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty /"v&l-n(&-)r&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - vul·ner·a·ble·ness /'v&l-n(&-)r&-b&l-n&s, 'v&l-n&r-b&l-/ noun - vul·ner·a·bly /-blE/ adverb |
| 10.vulpine | like a fox; crafty | Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin vulpinus, from vulpes fox; perhaps akin to Greek alOpEx fox -- more at ALOPECIA 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a fox 2 : FOXY, CRAFTY |
| 11.waffle | speak equivocally about an issue; N. | Function: noun
Etymology: Dutch wafel, from Middle Dutch wafel, wafer; akin to Old English wefan to weave : a crisp cake of batter baked in a waffle iron |
| 12.waft | move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window | Function: verb
Etymology: (assumed) Middle English waughten to guard, convoy, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German wachten to watch, guard; akin to Old English wæccan to watch -- more at WAKE intransitive senses : to move or go lightly on or as if on a buoyant medium transitive senses : to cause to move or go lightly by or as if by the impulse of wind or waves - waft·er noun |
| 13.waggish | humorous; mischievous; tricky | Function: adjective
1 : resembling or characteristic of a wag waggish friend> waggish prose style> 2 : done or made in waggery or for sport : HUMOROUS <waggish spoofs of popular songs> - wag·gish·ly adverb - wag·gish·ness noun |
| 14.waif | homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old North French, adjective, lost, unclaimed, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping, veifa to be in movement -- more at WIPE 1 a : a piece of property found (as washed up by the sea) but unclaimed b plural : stolen goods thrown away by a thief in flight 2 a : something found without an owner and especially by chance b : a stray person or animal; especially : a homeless child - waif·like /-"lIk/ adjective |
| 15.waive | give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim | Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): waived; waiv·ing Etymology: Middle English weiven, from Old North French weyver, from waif lost, unclaimed -- more at WAIF 1 archaic : GIVE UP, FORSAKE 2 : to throw away (stolen goods) 3 archaic : to shunt aside (as a danger or duty) : EVADE 4 a : to relinquish voluntarily (as a legal right) <waive a jury trial> b : to refrain from pressing or enforcing (as a claim or rule) : FORGO 5 : to put off from immediate consideration : POSTPONE 6 : to dismiss with or as if with a wave of the hand <waived the problem aside> 7 : to place (a ball player) on waivers; also : to release after placing on waivers synonym see RELINQUISH |
| 16.wake | trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before; Ex. hunger followed in the wake of the war | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): woke /'wOk/; also waked /wAkt/; wo·ken /'wO-k&n/; or waked also woke; wak·ing Etymology: partly from Middle English waken (past wook, pp. waken), from Old English wacan to awake (past wOc, pp. wacen); partly from Middle English wakien, waken (past & pp. waked), from Old English wacian to be awake (past wacode, past participle wacod); akin to Old English wæccan to watch, Latin vegEre to enliven intransitive senses 1 a : to be or remain awake b archaic : to remain awake on watch especially over a corpse c obsolete : to stay up late in revelry 2 : AWAKE -- often used with up transitive senses 1 : to stand watch over (as a dead body); especially : to hold a wake over 2 a : to rouse from or as if from sleep : AWAKE -- often used with up b : STIR, EXCITE <woke up latent possibilities -- Norman Douglas> c : to arouse conscious interest in : ALERT -- usually used with to <woke the publishers to the fact that there was an enormous... audience -- Harrison Smith> - wak·er noun |
| 17.wallow | roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless; Ex. wallow in the mud/luxury | Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English walwen, from Old English wealwian to roll -- more at VOLUBLE 1 : to roll oneself about in an indolent or ungainly manner 2 : to billow forth : SURGE 3 : to devote oneself entirely; especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : DELIGHT 4 a : to become abundantly supplied : LUXURIATE wallows in money> b : to indulge oneself immoderately <wallowing in self-pity> 5 : to become or remain helpless - wal·low·er /'wä-l&-w&r/ noun |
| 18.wan | having a pale or sickly color; pallid | Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): wan·ner; wan·nest Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wann dark, livid 1 a : suggestive of poor health : SICKLY, PALLID b : lacking vitality : FEEBLE 2 : DIM, FAINT 3 : LANGUID wan smile> - wan·ly adverb - wan·ness /'wän-n&s/ noun |
| 19.wanderlust | strong longing to travel | Function: noun
Etymology: German, from wandern to wander + Lust desire, pleasure : strong longing for or impulse toward wandering |
| 20.wane | decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes every month; N. | Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): waned; wan·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wanian; akin to Old High German wanOn to wane, Old English wan wanting, deficient, Latin vanus empty, vain 1 : to decrease in size, extent, or degree : DWINDLE: as a : to diminish in phase or intensity -- used chiefly of the moon b : to become less brilliant or powerful : DIM c : to flow out : EBB 2 : to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence synonym see ABATE |
| 21.wangle | achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party. | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): wan·gled; wan·gling /-g(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: perhaps alteration of waggle intransitive senses 1 : to extricate oneself (as from difficulty) : WIGGLE 2 : to resort to trickery or devious methods transitive senses 1 : SHAKE, WIGGLE 2 : to adjust or manipulate for personal or fraudulent ends 3 : to make or get by devious means : FINAGLE <wangle an invitation> - wan·gler /-g(&-)l&r/ noun |
| 22.wanton | unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex. wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause | Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tEon -- more at TOW 1 a archaic : hard to control : UNDISCIPLINED, UNRULY b : playfully mean or cruel : MISCHIEVOUS 2 a : LEWD, BAWDY b : causing sexual excitement : LUSTFUL, SENSUAL 3 a : MERCILESS, INHUMANE <wanton cruelty> b : having no just foundation or provocation : MALICIOUS wanton attack> 4 : being without check or limitation: as a : luxuriantly rank <wanton vegetation> b : unduly lavish : EXTRAVAGANT - wan·ton·ly adverb - wan·ton·ness /-t&n-n&s/ noun |
| 23.warble | (of a bird) sing; babble; N. | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English werble tune, from Old North French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German wirbel whirl, tuning peg, Old High German wirbil whirlwind -- more at WHIRL 1 : a melodious succession of low pleasing sounds 2 : a musical trill 3 : the action of warbling |
| 24.warranted | justified; authorized | Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old North French warantir, from warant 1 a : to declare or maintain with certainty : be sure that 2 a : to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate) b : to provide a guarantee of the security of (as title to property sold) usually by an express covenant in the deed of conveyance c : to guarantee to be as represented d : to guarantee (as goods sold) especially in respect of the quality or quantity specified 3 : to guarantee security or immunity to : SECURE 4 : to give warrant or sanction to : AUTHORIZE 5 a : to give proof of the authenticity or truth of b : to give assurance of the nature of or for the undertaking of : GUARANTEE 6 : to serve as or give adequate ground or reason for |
| 25.warranty | guarantee; assurance by seller | Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties Etymology: Middle English warantie, from Old North French, from warantir to warrant 1 a : a real covenant binding the grantor of an estate and his heirs to warrant and defend the title b : a collateral undertaking that a fact regarding the subject of a contract is or will be as it is expressly or by implication declared or promised to be 2 : something that authorizes, sanctions, supports, or justifies : WARRANT 3 : a usually written guarantee of the integrity of a product and of the maker's responsibility for the repair or replacement of defective parts |
| 26.warren | tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English warenne, from Old North French, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German werien to defend, protect -- more at WEIR 1 chiefly British a : a place legally authorized for keeping small game (as hare or pheasant) b : the privilege of hunting game in such a warren 2 a (1) : an area (as of uncultivated ground) where rabbits breed (2) : a structure where rabbits are kept or bred b : the rabbits of a warren 3 a : a crowded tenement or district b : a maze of passageways or cubbies |
| 27.wary | very cautious; watchful | Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): war·i·er; -est Etymology: 1ware, from Middle English war, ware, from Old English wær careful, aware, wary; akin to Old High German giwar aware, attentive, Latin vereri to fear, Greek horan to see : marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence especially in detecting and escaping danger synonym see CAUTIOUS - war·i·ly /'war-&-lE, 'wer-/ adverb - war·i·ness /'war-E-n&s, 'wer-/ noun |
| 28.wastrel | waster; profligate | Function: noun
Etymology: irregular from 2waste 1 : VAGABOND, WAIF 2 : one who dissipates resources foolishly and self-indulgently : PROFLIGATE |
| 29.wax | increase gradually (as the moon); grow | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English weax; akin to Old High German wahs wax, Lithuanian vaskas 1 : a substance that is secreted by bees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull yellow solid plastic when warm, and that is composed of a mixture of esters, cerotic acid, and hydrocarbons -- called also beeswax 2 : any of various substances resembling beeswax: as a : any of numerous substances of plant or animal origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons) b : a solid substance (as ozokerite or paraffin wax) of mineral origin consisting usually of hydrocarbons of high molecular weight c : a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a polished surface 3 : something likened to wax as soft, impressionable, or readily molded 4 : a waxy secretion; especially : CERUMEN 5 : a phonograph recording - wax·like /'waks-"lIk/ adjective |
| 30.waylay | ambush; lie in wait for and attack | Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): way·laid /-"lAd/; -lay·ing : to lie in wait for or attack from ambush |
| 31.wean | accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradually leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from cigarettes | Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English wenen, from Old English wenian to accustom, wean; akin to Old English wunian to be used to -- more at WONT 1 : to accustom (as a child) to take food otherwise than by nursing 2 : to detach from a source of dependence 3 : to accustom to something from an early age -- used in the passive especially with on |
| 32.weather | pass safely through (a storm or difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English weder, from Old English; akin to Old High German wetar weather, Old Church Slavonic vetru wind 1 : the state of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness 2 : state or vicissitude of life or fortune 3 : disagreeable atmospheric conditions: as a : RAIN, STORM b : cold air with dampness 4 : WEATHERING - under the weather 1 : ILL 2 : DRUNK 1a |
| 33.welt | raised mark from a beating or whipping | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English welte 1 : a strip between a shoe sole and upper through which they are stitched or stapled together 2 : a doubled edge, strip, insert, or seam (as on a garment) for ornament or reinforcement 3 a : a ridge or lump raised on the body usually by a blow b : a heavy blow |
| 34.welter | confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering jumble; Ex. welter of data | Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): wel·tered; wel·ter·ing /-t(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere -- more at VOLUBLE 1 a : WRITHE, TOSS; also : WALLOW b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves 2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved 3 : to be in turmoil |
| 35.welter | wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood); Ex. The victims weltered in their blood. | Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): wel·tered; wel·ter·ing /-t(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere -- more at VOLUBLE 1 a : WRITHE, TOSS; also : WALLOW b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves 2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved 3 : to be in turmoil |
| 36.wheedle | deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): whee·dled; whee·dling /'(h)wEd-li[ng], '(h)wE-d&l-i[ng]/ Etymology: origin unknown transitive senses 1 : to influence or entice by soft words or flattery 2 : to gain or get by wheedling <wheedle one's way into favor> intransitive senses : to use soft words or flattery |
| 37.whelp | young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc. | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hwelp; akin to Old High German hwelf whelp 1 : any of the young of various carnivorous mammals and especially of the dog 2 : a young boy or girl |
| 38.whet | sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone's appetite | Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): whet·ted; whet·ting Etymology: Middle English whetten, from Old English hwettan; akin to Old High German wezzen to whet, waz sharp 1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone) <whet a knife> 2 : to make keen or more acute : EXCITE, STIMULATE <whet the appetite> - whet·ter noun |
| 39.whiff | puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint; Ex. whiff of perfume/scandal | Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown 1 a : a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray b : an inhalation of odor, gas, or smoke c : a slight puffing or whistling sound 2 : a slight trace or indication 3 : STRIKEOUT |
| 40.whimsical | capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange | Function: adjective
Etymology: whimsy 1 : full of, actuated by, or exhibiting whims 2 a : resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially : lightly fanciful b : subject to erratic behavior or unpredictable change - whim·si·cal·i·ty /"hwim-z&-'ka-l&-tE, "wim-/ noun - whim·si·cal·ly /'hwim-zi-k(&-)lE, 'wim-/ adverb - whim·si·cal·ness /-k&l-n&s/ noun |
| 41.whinny | neigh like a horse; CF. neigh: make the sound which horses make | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): whin·nied; whin·ny·ing Etymology: probably imitative intransitive senses : to neigh especially in a low or gentle way transitive senses : to utter with or as if with a whinny |
| 42.whit | small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, probably alteration of wiht, wight creature, thing -- more at WIGHT : the smallest part or particle imaginable : BIT |
| 43.whittle | pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English whittel, alteration of thwitel, from thwiten to whittle, from Old English thwItan; akin to Old Norse thveita to hew archaic : a large knife |
| 44.whorl | ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wharle, whorle, probably alteration of whirle, from whirlen to whirl 1 : a drum-shaped section on the lower part of a spindle in spinning or weaving machinery serving as a pulley for the tape drive that rotates the spindle 2 : an arrangement of similar anatomical parts (as leaves) in a circle around a point on an axis 3 : something that whirls, coils, or spirals or whose form suggests such movement : SWIRL <whorls of snow> 4 : one of the turns of a univalve shell 5 : a fingerprint in which the central papillary ridges turn through at least one complete circle |
| 45.willful | wilful; intentional; headstrong | Function: adjective
1 : obstinately and often perversely self-willed 2 : done deliberately : INTENTIONAL synonym see UNRULY - will·ful·ly /-f&-lE/ adverb - will·ful·ness noun |
| 46.wily | crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem | Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): wil·i·er; -est : full of wiles : CRAFTY synonym see SLY - wil·i·ly /-l&-lE/ adverb - wil·i·ness /-lE-n&s/ noun |
| 47.wince | move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body. | Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): winced; winc·ing Etymology: Middle English wynsen to kick impatiently, from (assumed) Old North French wincier to turn aside, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wankOn to totter -- more at WENCH : to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain) : FLINCH synonym see RECOIL - wince noun |
| 48.windfall | fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event | Function: noun
1 : something (as a tree or fruit) blown down by the wind 2 : an unexpected, unearned, or sudden gain or advantage |
| 49.winnow | sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad; CF. wind | Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English winewen, from Old English windwian to fan, winnow; akin to Old High German wintOn to fan, Latin vannus winnowing fan, ventus wind -- more at WIND transitive senses 1 a (1) : to remove (as chaff) by a current of air (2) : to get rid of (something undesirable or unwanted) : REMOVE -- often used with out <winnow out certain inaccuracies -- Stanley Walker> b (1) : SEPARATE, SIFT 2 a : to treat (as grain) by exposure to a current of air so that waste matter is eliminated b : to free of unwanted or inferior elements : PARE 3 : to blow on : FAN intransitive senses 1 : to separate chaff from grain by fanning 2 : to separate desirable and undesirable elements - win·now·er /'wi-n&-w&r/ noun |
| 50.winsome | charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging | Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English winsum, from Old English wynsum, from wynn joy; akin to Old High German wunna joy, Latin venus desire -- more at WIN 1 : generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence 2 : CHEERFUL, GAY - win·some·ly adverb - win·some·ness noun |
| 51.wispy | thin; slight; barely discernible | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English 1 : a small handful (as of hay or straw) 2 a : a thin strip or fragment b : a thready streak wisp of smoke> c : something frail, slight, or fleeting wisp of a girl> wisp of a smile> 3 archaic : WILL-O'-the-wisp - wisp·i·ly /'wis-p&-lE/ adverb - wisp·i·ness /'wis-pE-n&s/ noun - wispy /'wis-pE/ adjective |
| 52.wistful | sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing | Function: adjective
Etymology: blend of wishful and obsolete English wistly intently 1 : full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy; also : inspiring such yearning wistful memoir> 2 : musingly sad : PENSIVE - wist·ful·ly /-f&-lE/ adverb - wist·ful·ness noun |
| 53.withdrawn | introverted; retiring; remote | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): with·drew /-'drü/; with·drawn /-'dron/; with·draw·ing /-'dro(-)i[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English, from with from + drawen to draw transitive senses 1 a : to take back or away : REMOVE 2 a : to remove from consideration or set outside a group <withdrew his name from the list of nominees> <withdrew their child from the school> b (1) : TAKE BACK, RETRACT (2) : to recall or remove (a motion) under parliamentary procedure intransitive senses 1 a : to move back or away : RETIRE b : to draw back from a battlefield : RETREAT 2 a : to remove oneself from participation b : to become socially or emotionally detached 3 : to recall a motion under parliamentary procedure - with·draw·able /-'dro-&-b&l/ adjective |
| 54.wither | (of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): with·ered; with·er·ing /'wi[th]-ri[ng], 'wi-[th]&-/ Etymology: Middle English widren; probably akin to Middle English weder weather intransitive senses 1 : to become dry and sapless; especially : to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture 2 : to lose vitality, force, or freshness transitive senses 1 : to cause to wither 2 : to make speechless or incapable of action : STUN <withered him with a look -- Dorothy Sayers> |
| 55.withhold | refuse to give; hold back; Ex. withholding tax | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): with·held /-'held/; -hold·ing Etymology: Middle English, from with from + holden to hold -- more at WITH transitive senses 1 : to hold back from action : CHECK 2 archaic : to keep in custody 3 : to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing <withhold permission> 4 : to deduct (withholding tax) from income intransitive senses : FORBEAR, REFRAIN synonym see KEEP - with·hold·er noun |
| 56.withstand | stand up against; resist successfully | Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): with·stood /-'stud/; -stand·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand 1 a : to stand up against : oppose with firm determination; especially : to resist successfully b : to be proof against : resist the effect of <withstand the impact of a landing -- Current Biography> 2 archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of synonym see OPPOSE |
| 57.witless | lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic | Function: adjective
1 : destitute of wit or understanding : FOOLISH 2 : mentally deranged : CRAZY - wit·less·ly adverb - wit·less·ness noun |
| 58.witticism | witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark) | Function: noun
Etymology: witty + -cism (as in criticism) : a cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark |
| 59.wizardry | sorcery; magic | Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries 1 : the art or practices of a wizard : SORCERY 2 a : a seemingly magical transforming power or influence |
| 60.wizened | shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old lady | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): wiz·ened; wiz·en·ing /'wiz-ni[ng] also 'wEz-; 'wi-z&n-i[ng] also 'wE-/ Etymology: Middle English wisenen, from Old English wisnian; akin to Old High German wesanEn to wither, Lithuanian vysti intransitive senses : to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality transitive senses : to cause to wizen |
| 61.woe | great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering; Ex. financial woes | Function: interjection
Etymology: Middle English wa, wo, from Old English wA; akin to Old Norse vei, interj., woe, Latin vae -- used to express grief, regret, or distress |
| 62.wont | (the stated person's) habit or custom; habitual procedure; ADJ. wonted: customary | Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English woned, wont, from past participle of wonen to dwell, be used to, from Old English wunian; akin to Old High German wonEn to dwell, be used to, Sanskrit vanoti he strives for -- more at WIN 1 : ACCUSTOMED, USED 2 : INCLINED, APT |
| 63.worldly | engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world | Function: adjective
1 : of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs 2 : WORLDLY-WISE synonym see EARTHLY - world·li·ness noun |
| 64.wrangle | quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle; N. | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): wran·gled; wran·gling /-g(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English; akin to Old High German ringan to struggle -- more at WRING intransitive senses 1 : to dispute angrily or peevishly : BICKER 2 : to engage in argument or controversy transitive senses 1 : to obtain by persistent arguing or maneuvering : WANGLE 2 [back-formation from wrangler] : to herd and care for (livestock and especially horses) on the range |
| 65.wrath | anger; fury | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wr[AE]ththo, from wrAth wroth -- more at WROTH 1 : strong vengeful anger or indignation 2 : retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement synonym see ANGER |
| 66.wreak | inflict; Ex. wreak one's vengeance on | Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English wreken, from Old English wrecan to drive, punish, avenge; akin to Old High German rehhan to avenge and perhaps to Latin urgEre to drive on, urge 1 a archaic : AVENGE b : to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment) 2 : to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling) 3 : BRING ABOUT, CAUSE <wreak havoc> |
| 67.wrench | twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands. | Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wrencan; akin to Old High German renken to twist and perhaps to Latin vergere to bend, incline intransitive senses 1 : to move with a violent twist; also : to undergo twisting 2 : to pull or strain at something with violent twisting transitive senses 1 : to twist violently 2 : to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining 3 : CHANGE; especially : DISTORT, PERVERT 4 a : to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence b : to snatch forcibly : WREST 5 : to cause to suffer mental anguish : RACK - wrench·ing·ly /'ren-chi[ng]-lE/ adverb |
| 68.wrest | obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp | Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English wrasten, wresten, from Old English wr[AE]stan; akin to Old Norse reista to bend and probably to Old English wrigian to turn -- more at WRY 1 : to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements 2 : to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor |
| 69.writ | written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something) | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English wrItan to write 1 : something written : WRITING 2 a : a formal written document; specifically : a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch b : an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein <writ of detinue> <writ of entry> <writ of execution> c : the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order -- usually used with run |
| 70.writhe | twist in coils; contort in pain | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): writhed; writh·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wrIthan; akin to Old Norse rItha to twist transitive senses 1 a : to twist into coils or folds b : to twist so as to distort : WRENCH c : to twist (the body or a bodily part) in pain 2 : INTERTWINE intransitive senses 1 : to move or proceed with twists and turns 2 : to twist from or as if from pain or struggling 3 : to suffer keenly - writhe noun |
| 71.wry | (esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a humorous twist (expressing displeasure) | Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): wried; wry·ing Etymology: Middle English wrien, from Old English wrigian to turn; akin to Middle High German rigel kerchief wound around the head, Greek rhiknos shriveled, Avestan urvisyeiti he turns intransitive senses : TWIST, WRITHE transitive senses : to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry |
| 72.xenophobia | fear or hatred of foreigners; N. xenophobe | Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin : fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign |
| 73.yen | strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel | Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural yen Etymology: Japanese en -- see MONEY table |
| 74.yeoman | man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English yoman 1 a : an attendant or officer in a royal or noble household b : a person attending or assisting another : RETAINER c : YEOMAN OF THE GUARD d : a naval petty officer who performs clerical duties 2 a : a person who owns and cultivates a small farm; specifically : one belonging to a class of English freeholders below the gentry b : a person of the social rank of yeoman 3 : one that performs great and loyal service |
| 75.yield | amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender | Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gieldan; akin to Old High German geltan to pay transitive senses 1 archaic : RECOMPENSE, REWARD 2 : to give or render as fitting, rightfully owed, or required 3 : to give up possession of on claim or demand: as a : to give up (as one's breath) and so die b : to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another : hand over possession of c : to surrender or submit (oneself) to another d : to give (oneself) up to an inclination, temptation, or habit e : to relinquish one's possession of (as a position of advantage or point of superiority) <yield precedence> 4 a : to bear or bring forth as a natural product especially as a result of cultivation 5 : to give up (as a hit or run) in baseball <yielded two runs in the third inning> intransitive senses 1 : to be fruitful or productive : BEAR, PRODUCE 2 : to give up and cease resistance or contention : SUBMIT, SUCCUMB 3 : to give way to pressure or influence : submit to urging, persuasion, or entreaty 4 : to give way under physical force (as bending, stretching, or breaking) 5 a < |
| 76.yoke | join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining two draft animals | Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural yokes Etymology: Middle English yok, from Old English geoc; akin to Old High German joh yoke, Latin jugum, Greek zygon, Sanskrit yuga, Latin jungere to join 1 a : a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b : an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c : a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d : a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness e (1) : a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder (2) : the control device for an airplane's ailerons that is mounted on a column which also serves to operate the elevator f : a frame from which a bell is hung g : a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position 2 plural usually yoke : two animals yoked or worked together 3 a (1) : an oppressive agency (2) : SERVITUDE, BONDAGE b : TIE, LINK; especially : MARRIAGE 4 : a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments |
| 77.yokel | rustic; country bumpkin; Ã̳ð | Function: noun
Etymology: perhaps from English dialect yokel green woodpecker, of imitative origin : a naive or gullible inhabitant of a rural area or small town |
| 78.yore | time long past; Ex. in the days of yore | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from yore, adverb, long ago, from Old English gEara, from gEar year -- more at YEAR : time past and especially long past -- usually used in the phrase of yore |
| 79.zany | comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to outlandish behavior) | Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural zanies Etymology: Italian zanni, a traditional masked clown, from Italian dialect Zanni, nickname for Italian Giovanni John 1 : a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal : MERRY-ANDREW 2 : a slavish follower : TOADY 3 a : one who acts the buffoon to amuse others b : NUT, KOOK |
| 80.zeal | eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal); ADJ. zealous | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English zele, from Late Latin zelus, from Greek zElos : eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something : FERVOR synonym see PASSION |
| 81.zealot | one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal | Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin zelotes, from Greek zElOtEs, from zElos 1 capitalized : a member of a fanatical sect arising in Judea during the first century A.D. and militantly opposing the Roman domination of Palestine 2 : a zealous person; especially : a fanatical partisan |
| 82.zenith | point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English senith, from Middle French cenith, from Medieval Latin, from Old Spanish zenit, modification of Arabic samt (ar-ra's) way (over one's head) 1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the nadir and vertically above the observer 2 : the highest point reached in the heavens by a celestial body 3 : culminating point : ACME |
| 83.zephyr | gentle breeze; west wind | Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English Zephirus, west wind (personified), from Latin Zephyrus, god of the west wind & zephyrus west wind, zephyr, from Greek Zephyros & zephyros 1 a : a breeze from the west b : a gentle breeze 2 : any of various lightweight fabrics and articles of clothing |
Gre Wordlist 50 : volatile - zephyr
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